Antigua 2014

The sail north from Guadeloupe to Antigua was fast and furious; with winds around 20 knots and seas moderate at 6 to 8 feet, we approached Falmouth Harbor early afternoon. When you approach this harbor for the first time, the entrance from the south is somewhat confusing. The channel angles into the harbor from southwest to northeast, and the seas build just before the entrance. Fortunately, the entrance is well marked and well charted, so if you trust your charts, your instruments, and your eyes, you’ll steam in with no issues. Watch out for the reefs on the east side as they are unforgiving.

Attention to the Channel

Shortly after securing Ocean Angel, I launched the dinghy for the obligatory clearing in process. Not knowing my way I asked for directions and was overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of the folks I came across. More than willing to help, they pointed me down the road to Nelson’s Dockyard, a trip into history.

Enter the Old WorldCustoms House Entrance

Were it not for the large sign with an arrow pointing to Customs I surely would have missed the building as I looked from one picture perfect setting to another. What an unbelievable place.

English Harbor from the Dockyard

Clearing in was a simple but expensive process. You either need a lot of cash or a credit card. I opted for the latter as I didn’t have enough cash; there’s the parks fee, the boat fees, the immigration fees, crew fees, and so on. Somewhat of an eye opener. I later learned that if you clear at Jolly Harbor, fees are considerably less. Once done I continued my wandering, noticng Crabhole Liquors right across the street from Cuatoms. I just poked my noggin in, then headed back to the boat.